Televisions

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TechCollect is a free national recycling service for computers, computer accessories and TVs (e-waste), established by Australia and New Zealand Recycling Platform (ANZRP) in response to the Federal Government's National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme (NTCRS). It is the only not-for-profit industry-backed e-waste recycling service approved under the Scheme.

TechCollect is a not-for-profit e-waste recycling service, representing over 60 of Australia's leading technology importers and manufacturers. TechCollect is committed to setting the standard for responsible e-waste recycling. We are proud to have TechCollect as a supporter of this page.

Recycling Near You

How to recycle Televisions at work

There are some recycling companies that offer national collection services for commercial quantities of televisions. To find a commercial television recycling service for your workplace or business, visit BusinessRecycling.com.au.

About Televisions in Australia

Every year Australians purchase millions of televisions and related components to replace equipment superseded by faster and more powerful technologies. In 2007/08 an estimated 16.8 million televisions and computers reached the end of their useful life in Australia. In 2027/28, this figure is predicted to reach 44 million units.

Why recycle Televisions?

Televisions containing cathode ray tubes (CRTs) are one of the leading causes of lead contamination in municipal waste streams. CRTs can contain up to 4 kg of lead and other toxic materials such as mercury, cadmium and arsenic. Lead is a cumulative poison that can contaminate groundwater and have harmful effects on human and animal health. By recycling televisions, waste is diverted from landfill and resources such as metals, precious metals, plastics and glass are recovered.

What happens when Televisions are recycled?

Some television components may still be useable, enabling certain parts to be directed into a reuse stream. To be recycled, televisions must be broken down into their many different components.

Cathode ray tube (CRT) glass contains a high concentration of lead. This means it can't go back into the normal glass recovery process like glass bottles. CRT glass is typically crushed and cleaned. Some CRT glass is used in manufacturing new television and computer monitors, but the move to LCD and plasma televisions means that new technologies and processes are being found to reuse this material.

Circuit boards are shredded down to a fine powder and separated into plastics and precious metals. This material can be reformed into a range of products.

Plastic casings are shredded and tested for their composition. Once identified, the plastics can be melted and extruded for use in new products.

Scrap metals are typically melted down to form new metal-based components.

More information

In 2011 the Australian Government introduced a national, industry funded, recycling scheme for televisions and computers. Find out more here.